Designing Ce-O-Ti Interface Bridge in CeO_x/N-Ti₃C₂T_y Heterojunction for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Developing efficient, low-cost electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for sustainable energy technologies.
• Platinum-based catalysts are highly effective but expensive, driving the search for alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a novel CeO_x/N-Ti₃C₂T_y heterojunction with a Ce-O-Ti interface bridge.
• To investigate its potential as an efficient, platinum-free electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Main Methods:

• An ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal route was employed to synthesize the CeO_x/N-Ti₃C₂T_y heterojunction.
• Electrochemical performance was evaluated through overpotential, Tafel slope, and long-term stability tests.

Main Results:

• The synthesized CeO_x/N-Ti₃C₂T_y material exhibited excellent HER activity, requiring a low overpotential of 51.12 mV_RHE at 10 mA cm^-2.
• The catalyst demonstrated a low Tafel slope of 51.87 mV dec^-1, indicating efficient reaction kinetics.
• Exceptional long-term stability was observed, with negligible performance degradation after 50 hours of testing.

Conclusions:

• The Ce-O-Ti interface bridge and oxygen vacancies synergistically enhance water dissociation and reduce HER energy barriers.
• The CeO_x/N-Ti₃C₂T_y heterojunction represents a promising, stable, and efficient platinum-free electrocatalyst for hydrogen production.